Cherry MX Orange vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches for your needs, the Cherry MX Orange and Cherry MX Red offer two compelling options, each with its unique characteristics. The MX Orange switch is a revival of the original MX Orange switches, enhanced with modern MX2A generations to cater to a growing demand. This switch is recognized for its smooth linear feel, making it an enticing choice for typists looking for a seamless experience without tactile bumps. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red switch is a classic among gamers and typists alike, noted for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile. This switch delivers an engaging auditory experience while still maintaining a linear feedback with responsive action, making it ideal for those who appreciate the combination of tactile and acoustic feedback. While both switches excel in different areas, understanding their nuances can help you make an informed choice. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Orange and Cherry MX Red both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housing materials, which sets the stage for a similar auditory and tactile experience across these two mechanical switch types. Both switches are crafted from nylon, described as a classic material for switch housings due to its versatile sound properties. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, which is instrumental in producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic ultimately results in a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing, enhancing the overall feel and feedback of both switches.
Despite the similarities found in their housing materials, the MX Orange and MX Red switches have different actuation points and force requirements, which can affect the typing experience. While both utilize nylon for sound absorption and structural integrity, the force required to activate the switches differs – with the Orange requiring a tactile bump that provides feedback at a specific actuation point, while the Red is linear and requires a smooth press with no tactile feedback. This variance introduces a unique distinction in the feel of each switch despite their similar sound profiles, with the MX Orange being more suited for typists who prefer a pronounced tactile response, whereas the MX Red caters to gamers seeking quick, uninterrupted keypresses.
In essence, while both switches share nylon as their housing material, their mechanical characteristics offer a differentiating experience. The shared materiality results in a comparable sound profile, but the distinct actuation forces and feedback create two separate typing experiences. Users can anticipate a similar auditory environment when employing either switch, but the tactile journey will be influenced significantly by the switch's design. Therefore, the choice between the Cherry MX Orange and MX Red may ultimately depend on the user's preference for tactile feedback versus a linear keypress, despite the unifying factor of their housing materials.
Weight
The Cherry MX Orange linear switch features an actuation force of 55 grams, making it noticeably heavier than the Cherry MX Red linear switch, which has an actuation force of just 45 grams. This difference in actuation force suggests that the MX Orange is better suited for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, while the lighter MX Red may appeal to those who seek ease of use for extended typing or gaming sessions. Both switches have unknown bottom out forces, which prevents a direct comparison of how far each switch travels when fully pressed down. However, since the MX Red is lighter in terms of actuation force, it follows that it will also likely offer a gentler bottom-out experience, assuming both switches share similar bottom-out characteristics. Therefore, users looking for a lighter switch should consider the Cherry MX Red, while those who prefer a firmer feel might opt for the Cherry MX Orange.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Orange and Cherry MX Red linear switches have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. Since they share the same travel distance, users can expect a similar tactile feel when pressing down on either switch. This means that regardless of the choice between the two, the experience of key actuation will be consistent in terms of distance. Thus, whether one chooses the MX Orange or the MX Red, the travel distance will not be a distinguishing factor, allowing for a uniform typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The Cherry MX Orange switch has yet to have its sound characteristics detailed, leaving a gap in understanding how it performs acoustically compared to its counterpart. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red is known for its thocky sound, producing a deep and rich auditory profile that delivers a satisfying "thud" or soft "knock" with each keystroke. This low-pitched sound gives a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, which many typists find appealing. As such, those who favor a pronounced acoustic experience may lean toward the MX Red, but keep in mind that the overall sound can still depend on the keyboard construction and keycap material used.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Orange switch also lacks detailed descriptions. Conversely, the Cherry MX Red features a textured feel, which means it may have a slight friction during key presses. While some users appreciate this texture for added feedback, others may find it less smooth compared to what they prefer. The subjective nature of feel means that personal preference will play heavily into one’s satisfaction with these switches.
In conclusion, while the Cherry MX Red is characterized by its distinctive thocky sound and textured feel, the MX Orange's qualities remain undefined, leaving potential users in the dark. If sound and tactile feedback are pivotal to your decision, the MX Red may stand out as the more dynamic option, but for those seeking possibly similar experiences with the MX Orange, much will depend on the switch’s performance in practice. Exploring these options will ultimately involve personal testing to find the best fit for individual typing preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Cherry MX Orange and Cherry MX Red switches ultimately comes down to your personal preferences regarding sound and feel. If you prefer a switch that offers a slightly heavier actuation force and a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Cherry MX Red is an excellent choice. Its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, combined with a textured feel, provides a satisfying typing experience that many users enjoy, especially for both gaming and general typing tasks. On the other hand, if you lean towards a switch that is renowned for its smoothness and refined sound, while still being highly responsive, the MX Orange could be the better option for you. This switch caters to those who prioritize a seamless typing experience and a more subtle sound profile. In essence, assess what aspects matter most to you when typing or gaming—be it the tactile feedback or auditory experience—to make the best decision for your needs.
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